Snoring

As many as 90 million Americans snore on occasion, and some snore loud enough to disturb their loved one’s sleep. If your snoring is loud and frequent, you can find effective treatments at Westchester ENT. Board-certified otolaryngologist Aaron Spingarn, MD, provides comprehensive evaluations and at-home sleep apnea tests to identify the cause and severity of your snoring. Dr. Spingarn also offers minimally invasive treatments to improve your breathing during sleep and reduce or even stop snoring for good. Call our office in Hartsdale, NY, at 914.686.3950 to schedule an evaluation for snoring or book an appointment online today.

What causes snoring?

Snoring is a harsh sound that you make when sleeping. The sound results from tissue vibrations at the back of your throat that occur when you breathe in.

Most everyone snores on occasion due to temporary issues like colds and allergies. You may also develop chronic snoring because of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that interferes with your breathing during sleep. This type of sleep disorder occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your throat relax too much and obstruct the flow of air to your lungs.

You may be at increased risk for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea because of:

• Obesity
• A thick, soft palate
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Deviated septum
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Sleep aid medication
• Medications that cause sedation as a side effect

As a result of obstructive sleep apnea, you may gasp for breath throughout the night without being aware of it, and snore loudly when asleep.

When should I schedule a diagnostic evaluation for snoring?

Many people who snore loudly aren’t aware of the issue until a loved one, roommate, or bed partner complains. If someone tells you that you snore often or loudly, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Westchester ENT.

Dr. Spingarn provides physical exams in the office to assess the breathing in your nose and the tissues at the back of your throat. He may also recommend the Watch-PAT® at-home sleep apnea test that evaluates your breathing while you sleep in your own bed.

Based on your results, Dr. Spingarn customizes a treatment plan to prevent or reduce snoring and improve your breathing during sleep.

How is snoring treated?

Westchester ENT offers multiple minimally invasive treatment options for snoring that results from tissue obstructions in your nose or at the back of your throat:

Mandibular Advancement Device (Oral Appliance Therapy)

A mandibular advancement device is an oral appliance. This goes inside your mouth and is a nonsurgical solution for people with snoring, and also is often used for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who don’t want to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

This custom-fit oral appliance rests over your upper and lower teeth to hold your jaw in a forward position, keeping your throat airway open. It reduces or prevents snoring and breathing disruptions while you sleep.

Soft Palate Stiffening

Floppy soft palates are a common reason for snoring.  Soft palate stiffening can address that problem.  Soft palates can be stifferened in the office by means of electrocautery, medication injections, and soft palate implants.

Soft palate stiffening procedures can provide noticeable symptom improvement within 6 weeks and some offer long-lasting results.

Dr. Spingarn can also discuss your options for other types of appliances or procedures, such as surgery to remove nasal polyps or reduce nasal obstruction.

For effective solutions to reduce or even end snoring, call Westchester ENT at 914.686.3950 or book an appointment online today.